Table with waste receptacle

ABSTRACT

A table with waste receptacle(s) removably positionable in one or more openings formed in the tabletop. The waste receptacle(s) may be a mesh bag lined with liquid impermeable bag for retaining seafood shells and other such waste. A cover is provided for each opening to close the opening and to allow use of the table as conventional dining table or work surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tables, and more particularly to adining table, which provides diners with an easy access to a wastedisposal receptacle.

Dining and picnic tables are usually configured with a homogenous topsurface made of rigid material, such as wood, plastic and the like. Theportable category tables usually have foldable or detachable legs thatallow transportation of the table to a picnic site, beach or othertemporary dining area.

In many areas where seafood is abundant, residents and tourists consumelarge amounts of shell seafood, such as small crustaceans, oysters,mollusks and other the like. It is not uncommon to see a dozen pounds ofcrawfish or oysters to be consumed at one sitting. Natural consequenceof the food consumption is the creation of large amounts of waste in theform of shells, broken crab legs, and the like. The waste accumulates onthe table surface making it uncomfortable for the diners to continuebringing more food to the table.

There exists, therefore, a need for a table that could be easilycleaned, without polluting the environment while removing the waste in asanitary and expeditious manner from the top of the dining table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a table that can beused for dining at a variety of locations, both formal and informal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dining tablethat can be easily transported to a desired location and set up in aneasy and expeditious manner.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a diningtable with a waste receptacle to allow continuous cleaning and removalof the waste from the table surface.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through aprovision of through a provision of a table having a table top supportedby one or more supporting legs. The legs may be adjusted in length bymodular segments. The table top is provided with one or more openings,within which a waste receptacle is removably suspended. The wastereceptacle is made of mesh material and forms a bag, which may be linedwith a liquid impermeable bag to retain any waste liquid within thewaste receptacle.

The table top may be formed as a single piece or as a foldable top,which folds along a center line. The fold edges of each table top halfhave a fold line. A plurality of openings are formed along the fold linein the vertical edge of the table portions for receiving securing pins,which facilitate retaining of the table top in a stable position whenthe top is unfolded. A flexible strip is detachably positionable alongthe fold line on the bottom of the table top to further ensure stabilityof the unfolded table top.

Each opening of the table top is provided with a removable cover, whichwhen installed over the opening, extends flush with the table top uppersurface. As a result, the table may be used as a conventional table oras a table with waste receptacle for retaining shells, broken crab legsand other such waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein like parts aredesignated by like numerals, and wherein

FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of the foldable table in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the table of the present invention withthe waste receptacles removed for clarity, and showing modular legselevating the table surface.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the table of the present invention withthe waste receptacles removed for clarity and showing modular legs ofreduced height.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the table showing waste receptacles suspendedfrom the table top.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the table top showing multiple openings forwaste receptacles.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of an opening of a waste receptacle showing anexemplary location of waste bag retaining members extending into theopening.

FIG. 7 is a detail view illustrating the bottom of the cover showinglocking latches and a support bar.

FIG. 8 is a detail side view of the cover with the latches in a lockingposition.

FIG. 9 is a detail view of a locking latch for use in the cover of FIGS.7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a detail view showing an exemplary positioning of mesh bagretaining members in a smaller size opening.

FIG. 11 is a detail view showing positioning of mesh bag retaining hooksin a larger waste receptacle opening.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the table top in accordance with the presentinvention in folded position.

FIG. 13 is a detail view showing fold edges of the table top portionwith hinges attached.

FIG. 14 is a detail side view of the table showing engagement of thecover with a table top, with latches in a locked position.

FIG. 15 is a detail view of the modular leg for use with the table ofthe present invention.

FIG. 16 is a detail view showing a waste receptacle for use with thetable of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a detail view showing a pin for retaining the table top in anunfolded position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings in more detail, numeral 10 designates thetable in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen in thedrawings, the table 10 comprises a table top 12 supported by a pluralityof upright legs 14. The tabletop 12 has an upper surface 16 and a bottomsurface 18. At least one opening 20 is formed through the tabletop 12extending from the top surface 16 to the bottom surface 18. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-17, the table top 12 is provided with fiveopenings: a central opening 20, and four peripheral openings 22.

Each opening 20 and 22 is defined by a large diameter upper part 24(FIG. 14) and a reduced size lower part 26. A peripheral lip 28 extendsin parallel between the top surface 16 and the bottom surface 18 of thetabletop 12 and divides the opening into the part 24 and 26. Althoughthe openings 20 and 22 are shown to have a square configuration, it isenvisioned that other configurations can be used, such as round,rectangular, triangular, etc., depending on the design choice.

Each of the openings 20 and 22 is selectively closed with a cover 30.The cover 30 has an upper portion 32, which is configured to fit withinthe respective opening 20 or 22 and cover the upper part 24 of theopening. The cover 30 also has a smaller size portion 34, which isconfigured to fit within the lower part 26 of the opening 20 or 22. Theupper portion 32 of the cover 30 fits flush with the upper surface 16 ofthe tabletop 12, while resting on the lip 28. The lower portion 34 ofthe cover 30 extends between the lip 28 and the bottom surface 18, witha bottom surface 36 of the cover 30 extending generally flush with thebottom surface 18 of the tabletop 12.

Each cover 30 is provided with a pair of locking latches 40 secured to asupport bar 38 fixedly attached to the bottom 36 of the cover 30. Thesupport bar 38 extends across the bottom surface 36 of the cover 30. Thelatches 40 move pivotally about axis A (FIG. 9) extending through thecenter of an attachment member 42 of the latch 40. The locking element46 of the latch 40 extends in a parallel relationship to a longitudinalaxis of the support bar 38 when the latch is in a locking position. Thelocking element 46 extends in a transverse relationship to thelongitudinal axis of the support bar 38 when the latch 40 is an unlockedposition allowing the cover 30 to be removed from the tabletop 12.

When the covers 30 are fitted into the tabletop 12, the top surfaces ofthe covers 30 extend in a generally co-planar relationship to the topsurface 16 of the table top 12. The table 10 can then be used as aregular table, covered with a table cloth or left uncovered and used fordining, as a work surface, or for any other desired activity. When thecovers 30 are removed, the openings 20 and 22 are uncovered, allowingaccess to waste receptacles secured to the table top 12.

The tabletop 12 may be formed as a unitary top, similar to the top shownin FIG. 2 or as a foldable tabletop similar to the tabletop shown inFIG. 3. When the foldable tabletop 12 is used, the two portions 42 and44 of the tabletop 12 fold about hinges 46 (FIG. 13) secured to a bottomsurface 18 of the tabletop 12. The adjacent fold edges 56 of the tableportions 42 and 44 are cut at an angle such that a V-shaped cut out 48is formed along the adjacent edges 56. A protective strip 50 is fittedin a generally covering relationship over the V-shaped cutout 48 toprotect the underside of the table and facilitate stability of theunfolded tabletop 12.

To further ensure structural strength of the tabletop 12 when in anunfolded position, the present invention provides for the use ofsecuring pins 52 (FIG. 17) which are configured as cylindrical bodies.Four openings 54 are formed in the fold edge 56 of each portion 42 and44 of the tabletop 12. The openings 54 extend a distance into the bodyof the tabletop 12 to a depth equal to approximately ½ of the length ofthe pin 52. Before the tabletop is open from its normally foldedposition, the pins 52 are inserted into four of the openings 54 ofeither tabletop portion 42 or 44. As the tabletop 12 is opened bypivoting the hinges 46, the free ends of the pins 52 gradually move intoaligned openings 54 of the opposite portion of the tabletop 12 untilthey become embedded within the opposite openings 54. The pins 52provide additional support along the hinge line 58, further ensuringthat the tabletop 12 does not collapse under the weight of items placedclose to the fold line 58 of the tabletop 12.

Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the waste receptacle engagement memberscan be seen in more detail. As shown in the drawings, a plurality ofhooks 60 is secured to the tabletop 12 within each of the openings 20and 22. Depending on the size of the opening, the number of hooks can beincreased with the increased size of the opening. For instance, if theopening 22 is about 6 inches by 6 inches, it is envisioned that eighthooks 60 are sufficient for retaining the waste receptacle within theopening 22. If the opening 20 is formed as a 12 by 12 inch opening, itis envisioned that three or four hooks 60 for each side of the opening22 are sufficient for retaining the waste receptacle within the opening.

A schematic orientation and position of the hooks 60 in a larger sizeopening 20 is also illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein two hooks 60 aresecured on each side of a center line 62 and wherein three hooks 60 aresecured on opposite walls of the opening 20. Of course, fewer or morehooks 60 may be employed in a particular design of the table dependingon the strength of the netting used for the waste receptacles. A wastereceptacle 64 is suspended on the hooks 60 within an opening 20. Smallerwaste receptacles 66 are suspended on the hooks 60 within smallerperipheral openings 22.

Each waste receptacle 64 or 66 is formed as a mesh bag provided withreinforcement rings 68 about an upper peripheral edge 70 of the bag. Thereinforcement rings 68 define openings 72 which are suitable forengaging with the hooks 60 and suspending the bags 64, 66 within theopenings 20 and 22, respectively. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the bags 64and 66 extend below the bottom surface 18 of the countertop 12 andprovide ready containers for receiving shells, broken claws, and otherwaste generated by the dining company using the table 10. Whennecessary, a liquid impermeable flexible liner (not shown) can beinserted within the waste receptacles bags, 64, 66, to prevent liquidsfrom the waste shells from reaching the floor or the ground. The wastebags may be collected after the meal and disposed in a conventionalmanner. After the receptacles 64 and 66 become full or at other timesduring the meal, the receptacles 64, 66 can be emptied by simply pullingup the bags 64, 66 with the associated liner and emptying the waste intoa conventional garbage disposal can or trash bag.

The height of the tabletop 12 from the base surface of the floor orground can the adjusted by the modular legs 14. Each leg 14 has a toppart 80 provided with a threaded upper end 82 which engages within anopening 84 formed in the bottom surface 18 in each corner of thetabletop 12. The openings 84 have internal threads (not shown) thatmatch the threads in the upper end 82 of the top part 80 of the leg 14.If the tabletop 12 needs to be elevated to, for instance, a bar toplevel, the modular legs 14 can be extended with the use of a bottom part86 which attaches to the top part 80 through a connector 88. The bottompart 86, similarly to the top part 80 is provided with a threaded upperend 90, which fits into an opening 92 formed in the bottom of theconnector 88. The opening 92 is formed with inner threads (not shown) tomatch the engaging threads of the upper end 90 of the leg part 86.

The connector 88 is similarly provided with a threaded end 94, which isdesigned to engage threads formed in the opening 96 of the top part 80of the leg 14. As can be seen in FIG. 12, when the top part 80 isengaged with the bottom part 86, the connector 88 extends between theportions of the modular legs, raising the top surface 16 of the table 10to a desired level. If only a small elevation of the tabletop 12 isnecessary, it is envisioned that the top part 80 may be used with ashorter connector 88 without the bottom portion 86. If desired, thebottom portion 86 may be provided with a rubber cap 98 that can be usedfor covering the opening 96 or 92 of the portions 80 and 88,respectively depending on which portion of the leg 14 sits on the groundor on the floor.

Of course, the shape of the tabletop 12 and the number of legs 14 foreach table 10 can differ, depending on the design of the table. Thetabletop 12 may be made round or triangular, depending on the design ofchoice, and the number of openings 22 can range from one and more. Insome cases, it may be preferred to have one central opening 20 on thetable, especially if the table has a small size, allowing a small numberof people to sit around the table and use the same waste receptacle. Alarge size table suitable for accommodating a greater number of peoplemay be provided with five openings 20,22, similarly to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Alternatively, the tabletop 12 may be configuredwith only peripheral openings 22 without the central opening 20.

If desired, a reinforcement border 100 can be made above the peripheryof the tabletop 12 to further enhance structural integrity of the table.It is envisioned that for a table having a size of about three feet perone side, the openings 22 can be made six inches wide, and the opening20 can be made 12 inches in size. Of course the dimensions of theopenings will differ depending on the overall size and scale of thetable. The height of the table can be adjusted anywhere between 18inches to 30 inches or greater as desired by a particular manufacturer.

The table 10 may be used in a restaurant or less formal setting, with anon-foldable embodiment of the tabletop 12 perhaps being more desirablefor a restaurant setting. A portable version with a foldable tabletop 12is envisioned for use in less formal settings, such as picnics, beaches,parks, etc. When the table 10 is used for meals that do not involvedisposal of large amounts of shells, crab legs and the like, it isenvisioned that covers 30 can be used to form a uniform, uninterruptedplanar surface. In such cases, the waste receptacles 64 and 66 would notbe used and the tabletop 12 may be covered with a tablecloth to concealthe covers and the openings.

When transporting the table to the beach or picnic area, the legs 14 maybe completely disengaged and stored next to the tabletop 12, which canbe folded for ease of transportation and placed in a trunk of a car orin a truck bed.

Many other changes and modifications may be made in the design of thepresent invention without departing from the spirit thereof. We,therefore, pray that our rights to the present invention be limited onlyby the scope of the appended claims.

1. A table positionable on a base surface, comprising: a tabletopprovided with at least one opening, a waste receptacle detachablysecured within said at lest one opening, an opening cover forselectively covering said at least one opening; and an adjustablesupport means secured to the table top for supporting said table top ata pre-determined height above the base surface.
 2. The table of claim 1,wherein said table top is comprised of foldable portions hingedlyconnected to each other along a center line of the tabletop.
 3. Thetable of claim 2, wherein each of said table portions has a fold edgecarrying a hinge, and wherein a bottom portion of the fold edge has aninclined surface.
 4. The table of claim 2, further comprising a means tofacilitate retaining said foldable portions in an unfolded position. 5.The table of claim 3, wherein said means to facilitate retaining saidfoldable portions in an unfolded position comprise a plurality of pinsdetachably engageable within openings formed along fold edges of thetable top portions when the openings are aligned with the table topportions in an unfolded position.
 6. The table of claim 3, wherein saidmeans to facilitate retaining said foldable portions in an unfoldedposition comprises an elongated flexible strip engageable with a bottomsurface of the table top along a fold line of the table top portions. 7.The table of claim 1, wherein said at least one opening has an upperpart and a smaller size lower part, and wherein a peripheral lip isformed between the upper part and the lower part.
 8. The table of claim7, wherein said cover is provided with an upper portion configured tofit within the upper part of said at least one opening and extend flushwith a top surface of the table top, and a lower portion configured tofit within the lower part of the opening.
 9. The table of claim 8,wherein said lower portion of the cover carries at least one latchmovable between an open position allowing removal of said cover from theopening, and a closed position, extending below a bottom surface of thetable top outside of the opening and preventing removal of the coverfrom the table top.
 10. The table of claim 1, wherein a plurality ofwaste receptacle engaging members are secured to the table top withinsaid at lest one opening.
 11. The table of claim 10, wherein said wastereceptacle comprises a mesh bag having an upper edge adapted forsecuring with said waste receptacle engaging members.
 12. The table ofclaim 10, wherein said waste receptacle engaging members comprisehook-shaped members with hook portions extending inwardly into said atleast one opening.
 13. The table of claim 1, wherein said table top isprovided with a plurality of openings, and wherein a waste receptacle isdetachably secured within each of said openings.
 14. The table of claim1, wherein said adjustable support means comprises a plurality ofsupporting legs detachably engageable with the table top, and where eachof said support legs can be selectively extended in length upon demand.15. A table positionable on a base surface, comprising: a table topprovided with at least one opening formed within said table top, a wastereceptacle removably received within said at lest one opening andsuspended on engaging members extending along a periphery of said atleast one opening; an opening cover selectively disposed over said atleast one opening; and adjustable supporting legs secured to the tabletop for supporting said table top at a pre-determined height above thebase surface.
 16. The table of claim 15, wherein said cover has an uppersurface, which extends flush in a co-planar relationship to a top tableupper surface when the cover is engaged to cover said at least oneopening.
 17. The table of claim 15, wherein said table top is providedwith a plurality of openings, each opening receiving a waste receptacle.18. The table of claim 15, wherein said table top comprises a recessedlip formed within said at least one opening, wherein said cover rests onsaid lip when engaged to cover said at least one opening.
 19. The tableof claim 15, wherein said cover is provided with a latch means forselectively securing the cover to said tabletop.
 20. The table of claim15, wherein said waste receptacle comprises a flexible mesh bag securedacross said at least one opening.